Chopra tips Valley for India’s next pace star
Srinagar, September 6: The Pro Star Cricket League Season 2 will be held in Kashmir from March 2027, with former India cricketer Aakash Chopra saying the Valley has the talent to produce India’s next fast-bowling sensation.
Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar in connection with the league, Chopra said he hoped the region would soon produce a pacer capable of representing India at the highest level.
“I hope that the next fast bowler that we get will also come from here. Till now, we are not able to catch him. But he is here somewhere,” Chopra said.
Chopra said Jammu and Kashmir had quality cricketers but needed more opportunities and platforms to help them progress.
“There is quality but there are no opportunities. So, that’s what we are trying to do. We are trying to bring opportunities,” he said.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan, who was also present, backed the region’s cricketing talent and said greater exposure to international players could be particularly valuable for young cricketers who have not yet represented J&K at the state level.
“For a youngster who has never played for the state, getting an opportunity to play with an international player is a big thing in itself,” Dhawan said.
He said regular competitive matches would help local players gain experience and cited Jammu and Kashmir’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph and former J&K pacer Umran Malik’s rise to India and the IPL as examples of the talent available in the region.
“The more matches there will be, the more their experience will increase,” Dhawan said.
He, however, stressed that players would have to convert opportunities into performances.
“If you perform there, then no one can say that you are from outside. Your performance should speak for you,” he said.
According to the organisers, Season 2 of the Pro Star Cricket League is aimed at providing emerging cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country with a platform to gain high-level exposure.
The league is expected to bring established cricket personalities and emerging players together in Kashmir, with organisers saying it would help strengthen the cricketing ecosystem and nurture local talent.
Dhawan said the tournament could also generate business for local clubs, mentors, hotels and other service providers as players, families and spectators travel to the Valley.
Chopra said the expansion of cricket could similarly create opportunities for coaches, support staff, logistics personnel and broadcasters, adding that the region already had a strong association with the sport through Kashmir Willow bat manufacturing.
The former cricketers said sustained opportunities and exposure would be crucial to helping Jammu and Kashmir’s emerging players make the transition from local and domestic cricket to the national stage. (GNS/KNS)
